🛡️ Self-Defense in Colorado and the “AOJ” Standard
When can you legally use force — especially deadly force — in self-defense?
Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-1-704) says you can act if you reasonably believe you or another person is in imminent danger of unlawful force. But what exactly makes a threat imminent?
This is where the AOJ framework comes in:
Ability, Opportunity, and Jeopardy. It’s a simple, courtroom-tested way to break down whether a threat rises to the level that justifies defensive action — including the use of a firearm.
🔺 A.O.J. Explained:
✅ 1. Ability
Does the attacker have the means to cause serious bodily injury or death?
Examples:
- A person holding a knife, gun, or bat
- A large individual threatening to assault someone much smaller or weaker
- Multiple assailants against a single person
Even bare hands can meet the “ability” requirement if the attacker is significantly stronger, or the victim is elderly, disabled, or on the ground.
✅ 2. Opportunity
Can they reach you or the person you’re protecting? Do they have the ability to carry out the threat right now?
Examples:
- Someone with a knife standing 10 feet away — they have the opportunity
- A person holding a bat across the street probably doesn’t… yet
- Someone in a locked room with a gun and a clear line of sight? That’s opportunity
✅ 3. Jeopardy
Have they done something that clearly signals they intend to cause harm?
This is about intent — not just capability.
Examples:
- Someone pointing a gun at you = jeopardy
- Screaming “I’m going to kill you” while charging with a knife = jeopardy
- Someone holding a gun but not making threats and walking away? No jeopardy.
This is the most subjective part, but also the most important.
🔁 Put it All Together
You need all three for a self-defense claim to hold up:
Ability + Opportunity + Jeopardy = Reasonable belief of imminent threat
If any one of those is missing — no go.
👮♂️ For Law Enforcement and Armed Security:
Your authority doesn’t change the AOJ standard. You’re still held to a reasonable belief of imminent threat, especially when using deadly force. AOJ helps explain why your decision to draw or shoot was justified — and more importantly, why not shooting might be reckless or negligent.
🔫 For CCW Holders and Armed Citizens:
This is the gold standard for explaining to a jury why you acted. Courts don’t care about feelings — they care about what was reasonable. Using the AOJ framework before pulling the trigger can protect you legally and ethically.
🧠 For Self-Defense Practitioners:
Train with this in mind. Every scenario you prepare for — in dry fire, in force-on-force, in mental reps — should include:
- Recognizing the threat (AOJ present?)
- Deciding whether to act
- Clearly articulating why your belief was reasonable
Because the DA is going to ask why you thought it was okay to shoot — and you better have a clean answer.
💬 Real-World Example:
You’re walking to your car. A man quickly approaches, pulling a metal object from his waistband, yelling threats.
- 🔺 Ability — A metal object (possibly a weapon)
- 🔺 Opportunity — He’s within 15 feet and closing fast
- 🔺 Jeopardy — He’s yelling threats and drawing something
That’s AOJ. A clear case of an imminent deadly threat — even if the object ends up being a phone. (See People v. Fuller.)
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney regarding the use of force and your rights under Colorado law.
